The deadline is approaching for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness program, with applications due Wednesday, April 1. Each year, the scholarship fund gives resources to students pursuing automotive careers in a variety of areas, from accounting to manufacturing. Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $3,000, with $5,000 going to the top individual. In 2014, 45 students were awarded scholarships, and 17 current employees of SEMA-member companies received $2,000 loan-forgiveness awards.

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Inspires Tomorrow’s

The Young Executives Network (YEN) held its first live chat with Formula Drift founder and CEO Jim Liaw. The live chat was held on October 24, 2014, via the YEN Facebook page and was a huge success. Questions came from YEN members far and wide and featured many topics, and they brought insights into the growth and continued success of aftermarket companies. Much of the focus was on how to get the most out of a company’s SEMA Show investment.

YEN Turns Attention to Live Chat Program

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) hosted the Gear Up Girl networking event for the fourth time at the 2014 SEMA Show. The gathering provides a unique opportunity created for the benefit of female students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

SBN Gear Up Girl Event a Standing-Room-Only Su

When factories outsource the sales function to reps, they do not abdicate responsibility in the field. Yes, the rep becomes the face of the factory in the territory. Yes, reps are the primary contact with the customer. And yes, the factory needs to provide technical training on its product to its reps.

Technical Training: Whose Job Is It?

Join the Network for Upcoming Professional Development ProgramsTen Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) members recently participated in a professional development program designed to enhance their leadership skills, improve task skills and provide insight into the latest trends and technical advancements. The Social Media Strategies Summit was the first of three events for 2015, held at the beginning of February at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) recently caught up with a couple of new members to learn more about their companies and their experiences in the industry. Meet Ann Fladger of Allure Custom Automotive and Steve Hamilton of AnthemWheels.com.

Getting to Know WTC Members and the WTC Measurem

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) recently released the second edition of the “PRO Sales Training Manual,” a resource designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies. The original idea for the resource came about at a long-range planning meeting a decade ago.

Revised “PRO Sales Training Manual” Gives Re

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) pursued a wide-ranging agenda at the 2014 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show held December 11–13 in Indianapolis. The first-ever MPMC open meeting was held on the Wednesday before the show and featured SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) Membership Director Jim Graven, who shared how manufacturers can benefit from organizing their product data through the SDC.

MPMC at PRI Features Hall of Fame Inductions

On the Monday prior to the 2014 SEMA Show, the Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) hosted a Media Preview, giving nearly 200 journalists a head start on their truck, SUV and off-road coverage for the week. The goal was to allow council members to meet one on one with media reps, making contacts and introducing new products without sacrificing valuable floor time with buyers. Each of the 18 manufacturer participants was chosen from an application pool by lottery to set up temporary exhibit space within the Media Center in the Las Vegas Convention Center